Today I was at the old 655 Radar Squadron home at Watertown AFS. Very strong winds and rain on `dry hill`. Family housing units have lots of superficial damage like missing siding and broken windows. Road needs repair. Grass is mowed. Old radar tower looks bleak and discolored. No hot link to the site database in the online museum. Steve

Stationed Charleston AFS, ME 1961-62. Keflavik, Iceland 1963. Red Bluff AFS, CA 1964. Radar OPS

I was stationed at Paine Field the same time period..I was sent there with the 83rd FIS and worked on the F86D that had replaced the F86A`s The 83dr name went to McChord and we became the 321st FIS..

looking for anyone who served at Snow Mtn AFS kentucy during the years 1956---1960........please contact thanks

correction in previous message......should have read kentucky.......784th ac&w sqd

Stationed Cape Neweneham 75-76, retired USAF 77.

For Gary Jacobs, Tom Page, and Bill Leach regarding those neon lights on the AN/FSQ-7/8 Maintenance Consoles: Bill is correct, both on their function and that (in most cases) they were only one of a pair, the other of which was simply bundled into the wire harnesses in the frame cabling--since they were active elements in the flip-flop circuits (f/f), there had to be 2, one on each side of the f/f, to provide a balanced circuit that would operate properly. In a few situations, both lights of a f/f had a place on the console, but there were not many. As Bill related, these lights were a primary source of troubleshooting activity because they indicated not only the status of many internal functions of the CPU, they also indicated the value of the contents of the operating registers of the CPU, specifically the Distributor, Accumulators, Program Counter, and other registers internal to the CPU. These lamps were arranged from left to right to indicate the value of the individual binary digits within the registers, with the sign bit and MSG (most significant bit) at the left and the LSB (least significant bit) on the right. The panel labeling broke the lamps down into groups of 3 so that octal notation could be used to represent the values. The Time Tunnel did, indeed, use a portion of the AN/FSQ-7 as part of its set; in this case, it was a section of the Input/Output Console (or possibly the Crosstell Console) that occupied a position at the end of the Console Room perpendicular to the 2 CPU Maintenance Consoles. These were simplex units, as opposed to the duplex arrangement for the Maintenance Consoles (and CPUs): there were spare units in the frame that could be switched in for any individual unit that had failed. I was one of the 3 shift Computer Maintenance Officers for the POADS SAGE Center (Adair AFS, Oregon) in 1962-1964. I hope this expansion of the correct data from Bill has been helpful.

Correction: In my previous post, the abbreviation `MSG` should have been `MSB`. Sorry for the typo.

Enjoyed browsing through the site. I was with `Brigham`(Undorn, Thailand) in `68-`69. Except for a 2-year tour as ops officer of the radar site just north of Homestead AFB, Florida, I spent the rest of my Air Force career with the EC-121(AEW&C), EC-130(ABCCC), and E-3(AWACS). So I certainly can relate to the Air Defense business, and appreciate the work you put into building and maintaining this site.

I recently met up with William K. (Biff) Scharlack. We were both stationed at the 666th AC&W site in Mill Valley, Calif in the mid 60`s (1965-1967) We are trying to locate others that were stationed there at that time. If anyone has any information, please e-mail me at: orvie6@yahoo.com.

I was stationed at following locations: Sage Building Hancock Field NY, 1960 TO 1962, 604th AC&W Squadron Friesing Ger. 1962 to 1965, Sage Malmstrom AFB MT 1965 T0 1966, 641st AC&W Melville AFS Labrodor Canada 1967, 683rd AC&W Squadron Sweetwater TX 1968 to 1969, Sage Building Duluth IAP MN 1969 to 1970, 705th AC&W Squadron King Salmon Alaska 1970 to 1971, 3625th TTS Tyndall AFB 1971 to 1973, 621st TCS Udorn Thialand 1973 to 1974, Sage Building Hancock Fld NY 1974 TO 198O. Retired from USAF at Hancock Apr. 1980 went to work for the US Army at their Switching Center(as a Department of the Army Civilian) on the 3rd floor of the old Sage CC Building. The Switching Center was closed down in 2000 I retired and am still living 5 miles from the the Old Hancock Fld Sage Complex. All the buildings are now vacant and belong to US Army Fort Drum NY. I`m completely retired now and would be interested in keeping in contact with some of you out there who may know me from somewhere along the line.

Writing a book. Need AC&W information - squadron numbers: ie..705th AC&W Squadron, King Salmon, AK

Was instructor at the 3625th Tech Training Squadron, Ttyndall AFB, FLA. in BUIC III in 1968-69. Then at BUIC II site at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand all of 1970. And at 858th Air Defense Squadron, Fallon NAS, Nevada, 1971-72. Would love to find 858th Warners Squadron patch.

Tom&Gene. Thanks for the great website. I`m an oldtimer who started with 618thACWS, Hanshin & Miho, Japan, in 1947. In 1951 went to 728thACWS at Pope AFB, NC. 726TCS, 727thACWS & 729thACWS were co-located at Pope then. Later that year I went to Hq507tnTacContGp at Pope and became Col Heartz`s dogrobber. I recal in 1952 most of the group convoyed down to Ft Hood, Texas for Exercise Longhorn, joint services manuevers. Would be nice to hear from some of the old troops who put up that radar site on the beach at Miho in `48 or `49. That`s when we took over responsibility for radar coverage of the inland sea from the Australians at Miho. The Aussies had their site set up next to their barracks and shut down for tea every afternoon. When we took over, we had to put up a site about six miles away on the beach, and operate 24 hours a day. We built a radar shack using wooden hangar doors we took off of a nearby former Japanese airstrip. It was barebones back in those days, believe me. Anyway, keep up the good work work and I hope I hear from some of the old troops!

I was stationed at Roslyn AFS from March 1957 until May 1958 when I was reassigned to the 913 AC&W Squadron (Pagwa River, Ontario, Canada). I would be very interested in hearing from anyone that was stationed at Roslyn at the same time I was. Thanks!

For Tom Clason: To find our information on King Salmon AFS, from the menu on the far left side of our web site, click on `Radar Sites.` When the search window comes up, enter any part of the name (i.e., ``King Salmon``); or enter the state (``AK``), the site number (``F-3``), or the squadron number (``705``). Then click on [SEARCH FOR SITE]. When the search result comes up, click on the hyperlink. When the site web page comes up, scroll down, and click on the information hyperlink desired (for example, `Photographs` or `Recent Photos`). I hope this helps. -- T.E.P.

After going thru all of my active duty assignments, I was quite susprised to find that most of the AC&W/Radar sites were closed or were turned over to the FAA or civilian contractors. I never realized how quickly things are changing or disappearing in such a short timeframe. Thanks to the this excellant website, at least the memories of those stations, friends, good times & some not so good times can be preserved. Ted Clark

Hello, My AF career fresh out of OTS as a 17xx started at a NORAD Ground Control Intercept Radar Squadron, the 657th, Houma Air Force Station, LA. Manual controller school at Tyndall AFB, FL, of course shortly after arriving at Houma. This duty was for the time period April, 1967 thru March, 1969. Houma AFS was a manual radar site, making height inputs then to the 32nd Air Division SAGE Direction Center(MOADS), at Montgomery, AL. As a NORAD Ground Control Intercept (NGCI) site, the 657th also had a fighter control capability. Three `gap filler` or search radar sites reported to Houma: Crysal Springs, MS; Thomasville, AL and Dauphin Island, AL. From my understanding, many of these manual radar sites would have been closed by my time, save for an extension granted by the Cuban Missle Crisis in the fall of 1962. The 657th was an interesting first assignment for a young second lieutenant weapons controller. For live aircraft control training, `Percussion` was tasked to provide manual voice control for F-102 Century Series interceptors from the Louisian Air National Guard (c/s `Kilo Kilo`), based at the Naval Air Station, Callender Field, New Orleans. The main support base for us was Keesler AFB at Biloxi, MS. Squadron population was about 130 officers and airmen to maintain full strength. From Houma, I went on to Vietnam and the ground TACS (Paris Control at Ton Son Nhut). Then came aircrew duties as a WD in the Connies at McClellan (964th), a European NATO assignment at Kolsaas, Norway, and finally on to AWACS (964th, 960th and 966th) crew duties at or from Tinker AFB, OK and always a `Seventeen`. I retired at Tinker an `O4`, 30 April 1988. Andy. Norman, OK

Was stationed at King Salmon in the 60`s and am now writing a `M*A*S*H` type novel on my year there. I would like some technical information about the site as my memory of the layout, etc, never was that detailed. Anything will help, like the type radar we had, or a schematic of the site layout with building names. I remember enough to write the book, I just need help with site details.

Truly, our government in action.

Truly, our government in action.

I was stationed at saglek in 1961 and 1962 and worked at the bmews site.

I worked on the DEW Line site at Barter Island during the summer of 1960. I have good memories of it.

What`s in store for continental air-defense surveillance? Go to http://www.ofcm.gov/phased_array_radar/References/NGASP%20%7Bdraft%20%20v0.6%7D.doc to read a draft of ``Next Generation Air Surveillance Plan,`` 5 May 2005. (Interestingly, the plan is marked ``For Official Use Only,`` ... and yet it is posted on the Internet! Simply amazing.) -- T.E.P.

Bob, The radio site adjacent to the ACWSs site was Ground to Air Transmit/Receiver site (GATR). Most were equiped with twenty four (24) single channel transmitters and receivers, In 1965-68 I expect these were GRT-3 Tx and GRR-7 receivers - vacuum tube technology, coupled with a couple of GRC-27 multi-channeled tranceivers... A bitch to work on... Maybe there might have been an AN/GKA - 5 Digital Data Link system tied into the system there which was used to direct the `good guy`s against the bad guy`s` OBTW the GKA-5 was tied into SAGE and was one of the AF first step into the solid state `Digital Age` Hope this helps Jim

Keesler update from Air Force link dated 9/15: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123011812

My uncle came to this cite so I just wanted to see what it was about. I should have known it had to do with planes. Hi Uncle Tim we miss you guys in Missouri.

Noticed an email error in my email address. Have corrected it to reflect my current email address. Recently attended the 50th year Reunion celebrating the opening thru the closing of the 703rd AC&W Sq at Texarkana AFS, AR. Reunion was held in Texarkana, AR on 10 Sep 05. Many `Kudos` to the Reunion Planning Committee for their outstanding efforts in putting together this reunion. Had a great time, meeting folks that I had not seen in 41 years. Anyone that was stationed at the 703rd and wish to attend the next reunion is encouraged to get in touch with Perry Smith, who is listed in the site roster for the 703rd AC&W Sq on this radomes.org web site, or send an email to me and I will forward it to one of the Reunion Committee members. Believe me, you will have a great time!!!

(LA Times) BILOXI, Miss. — Keesler Air Force Base, a training and medical center, needs $500 million in repairs to recover from Hurricane Katrina, a commander said. Brig. Gen. Bill Lord, wing commander of the 81st Training Wing, said Saturday that the base suffered $400 million in damage to the military complex and $100 million to housing but that there were no fatalities. Keesler was one of six military bases in Louisiana and Mississippi that Katrina damaged. The hurricane hit Aug. 29, three days after the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission voted to keep Keesler`s medical center intact. The medical center, second-largest in the Air Force, was badly damaged by flooding and has been shut down. `We got 5 feet of water all through the basement,` said Brig. Gen. Jim Dougherty of the 81st Medical Group.

New Orleans is slowly waking back up. She’s been in a virtual coma for the past two weeks but is now starting to come around. This time last week, there were very few civilian vehicles on the roads. And very few people. About the only movement in the city was from military trucks bringing in troops and supplies. LOTS of troops and supplies. The city was littered with debris but the sky was clear and clean, having just received a thorough rinsing a few days before. And the silence was pervasive. Empty highways and darkened buildings will do that. It was very surreal; very much like we had imagined the days following WWIII would be like as the few lone survivors emerged from their fallout shelters into a ravaged landscape. In my youth, I spent many a night camping in the New Mexico mountains with my Harley so I already know what peace and quiet sounds like. New Orleans had the quiet but the peace had been ravaged by Katrina. The word ‘desolation’ seemed to be the popular description for what we were seeing. This huge city was too quiet, too motionless, and too empty to be described any other way. It was sickening. But that was last week. Each day brings a few more cars on the roads as New Orleans’ citizens return home to see what is left, and to start the rebuilding process. The heartbreak is everywhere and the military, no matter how soft and empathetic we are under our hard Kevlar helmets and flak vests, cannot fix that. We hurt fore those who have lost so much and we feel tremendous guilt whenever we think about how nice it will be when we can return to our own homes because we know that many of the returning refugees will have no home to return to. Our military chaplains know all too well how we hurt for them. New Orleans will rise from this. It is impossible to think that we would simply bulldoze it all into a big hole and erect a historical marker on Interstate 10 saying “On this spot was once a great city…” Yes, New Orleans will eventually come back and that world famous jazz sound will again flow out of the French Quarter. But it’s going to take awhile. That jazz will have to be used for a lot of Wakes before this city can be happy again. In the meantime, maybe I’ll take a cup of coffee over to our chaplain. He’s been busy all day. MSgt Harvey Hartman Texas Air National Guard (Deployed)

Howdy All, from the New Orleans Convention Center, or at least what`s left of it! The damage that Hurricane Katrina did to this area is simply mind boggling. And what the looters and gangs did to the city (and convention center) afterwards is truely indescribable! What you saw on CNN after Katrina went through here was only the tip of the iceberg! And now, due to the damage, utility outages, health dangers, looting and violence, New Orleans is currently under control of the military and almost all of the citizens have been evacuated. It is very odd being in a once-thriving city, now-deserted, that has not known silence or a dark night for over a hundred years. The landscape is very eerie; not much unlike that in the many post-nuclear holocaust movies that our lonely Cold War radar sites were built to prevent. But all of you veterans, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, would be proud if you saw us in action these past two weeks. Once we got the rescue operation rolling, we`ve been conducting the largest military humanitarian operation in the history of our country. I`ve seen so many C-130s (God bless the lovable Herky Bird!) hauling in relief supplies that I am reminded of the Berlin Airlift and the skies are full of helicopters like during Viet Nam. For those of you who served but left the service wondering if your contributions amounted to much, just think about where we, and New Orleans, would be right now if it wasn`t for the lessons learned from all those exercises of the past! Thanks Guys! Your contributions, whether four years or thirty, were VERY worthwhile!!!

I was stationed at Benton AFS (648th sqdn) from July of 1965 until July of 1968. My afs was 30352 AC&W radar repair and I worked in the FPS-26 tower. I would like to track down anyone who was at Benton during those years and I also have a question about the radio site that was located off base near Ganoga Lake. I had a roomate who worked out there but I never knew much about the site or what he did. I now live less than 25 miles from the old Benton site which has been converted to a youth vocational school. (Red Rock Job Corps) Bob Folmar Sweet Valley, PA

I was stationed at dauphin island in 1960 and 1961 at the 693rd ac&w site. My job was radio maintenance 30452. I am interested in contcting others who aslo were stationed there.

I was stationed at dauphin island in 1960 and 1961 at the 693rd ac&w site. My job was radio maintenance 30452. I am interested in contcting others who aslo were stationed there.

Entered the AF in Aug 61 First real assignment 62to65 616 AC&W Sq Wasserkuppe, FRG, 65to69 26 AD Adair AFS OR, 641 ACEW Sq Melville Canada (Goose AFB) 69to72 776 Point Arena, CA. 72to75 4754 RADES Hill AFB, UT. 75to76 714 Cold Bay, AK. 76to79 4754 RADES Hill AFB, UT.79to82 609 TCS Bad Munder, FRG 82to83 728 TCS Eglin AFB Field 3 FL. Retired and moved to Utah where I am today.

Just got back last night after 34 hours on the road delivering a semi load of food,medicine,water and clothing to Hammond,La., just north of New Orleans. The young people of that church were there waiting at mid-night to help unload. Made an old AF guy feel good about our youth.

As a kid (21) I spent several months on the DEW line with a small crew (summer of ’65). Our mission was repairing the radar domes (a company called Unitec out of Baltimore, MD). Coldest summer I’ve ever experienced. I thought the site personnel were incredibly friendly and I enjoyed the fresh artic char for dinner. We started at the Baffin Island eastern site and worked our way westward onto the mainland.

Trying to locate Clint Crosier. Last know location is Slidel, LA. Very concerned as I know Slidel was badly damaged as a result of Katrina.

I know some of my old radar maintenance co-workers/drinking buddies from Cold Bay, Port Austin, Calumet, Tyndall, or Keesler must check in here on occasion; so if you happen to have some vague memory of me or were in any of these places during the 70s & 80s, shoot me an e-mail.

Keesler memories fading. I had a look at some of the satellite images of the base shot in the last week. All of the Triangle squadrons have been demolished/replaced, except the one in the SW corner. I was able to see the 3394th and 2 others last year during the reunion, prior to their demolition. Virtually all the roads in the Triangle are gone. The Chapel remains as do various other support facilities. The images show the absence of Thomson Hall and and the sets hangar next door. By the way, the Biloxi lighthouse on highway 90 still stands.

I would like to extend a very warm ``thank-you`` to those of you who have donated or lent us their air-division YEARBOOKS. For those of you who missed our pop-up, ``In the News`` (or have a pop-up blocker in place), please consider donating, selling, or lending your yearbooks for the various Air Divisions (Defense) and Air Defense Sectors (SAGE). These yearbooks were mainly published in the mid / late 1950s and early 1960s by the various numbered Air Divisions and Air Defense Sectors within the Air Defense Command (ADC). They are great sources of valuable information and photographs from yesteryear which can greatly enhance the contents of your Online Air-Defense Radar Museum. So, if you and/or anyone you know have any copies of these yearbooks, please consider lending, donating, or selling them to Radomes, Inc. We promise they will find a good home with us -- and their contents will be saved for prosperity. If you do not want to part with your treasured keepsakes now, perhaps you would consider willing your yearbooks (and other related radar memorabilia) to Radomes, Inc.? In any case, please help us to preserve the history and the memory of our little piece of the Air Force so it`s not forgotten. Please contact us and let us know if you have such yearbooks. Thank you all very much in advance! Sincerely, Your Radomes Crew

For those of you who might be wondering about the former Dauphin Island AFS following Hurricane `Katrina,` several websites (including NOAA) show that the east end of Dauphin Island escaped with only minor damage and flooding. The remaining buildings of the former AFS (now Estuarium and Coast Guard station) all appear to be still intact. It was a different story at the west end of Dauphin Island -- that part of the island took a heavy pounding, and damage was severe. Photos can be found on various websites.

I have been trying to locate a Jerry Todd (radarmaint) for years. Last time I had knowledge of his whereabouts was in 1956 at Carmi AFS. If any of you may know him or his current location I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

I would like to urge one and all to join me in donating to the AF Aid Society Katrina relief fund to help our Air Force friends at Keesler.

Saw the following on another site. Thought that some may be interested. Subject: Keesler AFB Update After Hurricane Katrina Folks, Here`s what has happened to our own USAF brethren at Keesler AFB,Gulfport MS: - Base housing was largely destroyed by a 25 foot wave - There`s 4 feet of mud in Maj Gen Utterback`s house (2 AF/CC) - MSG/CC house burned to the ground (gas leak caught fire) - 6000 USAF members and their families are living in shelters - The power will be out there for at least 3 weeks - The 2nd largest USAF hospital (at Keesler) is closed -- Seawater got into the generator and they have no power - Commissary/BX mostly destroyed - Runway is operational; it`s the only open airfield in the area -- Day/VFR conditions only - Gulfport Airport is closed for the foreseeable future - The fence around the base is severely damaged - Keesler had looters last night -- Maxwell AFB is sending an SF detachment to reinforce the Keesler SF - Parts of I-10 are under water; at least one major bridge is down - Keesler has almost no communications (landline or cell) -- They are relying primarily on radios This is a tragedy with a capital T Jeff Nesmith (Roadtoad) Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 2:

Served as AC&W operator in USAF from 63 to 67

Not saying I wish this for Keesler, but wasn`t Hurlburt AFB, Fla., closed after hurricane damage? I may be wrong, going on memory here. Keesler does not seem to be the large training base of the Vietnam era, but here again, been more than 30 years since I was there. Okay, radar troops, who remembers above what wind speed in miles per hour did you put the radar antenna (aka, `sail`) in freewheel, that is, stop it from rotating or nodding and simply let the high winds turn it? I think tech orders specified, but judgment played a role as well. My guess is the FPS-35 took the cake in the category. I don`t recall the inflatable domes having wind problems, but maybe they did. Gentlemen, we need some `there I was` stories in the `high winds,` `sail,` and `freewheel` categories, bonus for inflatable dome. By the way, I remember the TPS-44 in Germany being in freewheel in storms, but I think it was judgment there since no one to my knowledge knew what the wind speed was.

Gary-We did have an inflatable dome for the FPS-6 partially collapse during a duststorm at Havre. This was the same storm in which concrete was being poured for the pad for the new power shack is 1963. 100mph winds. The contractor continued to pour throughout. By the way, I saw satellite photos of Keesler today and only one squadron remains in the Triangle`s southwest corner. All others have been demolished (prior to Katrina).

Regarding inflated radomes.... They were kept inflated by electrically powered blowers. As wind speed increased, more blowers were kicked in. There was, as I recall, a panel that displayed windspeed and the operating status of the blowers. Back-up gasoline powered blowers were also available. I distinctly remember that at least once a month we had to go around and check the oil and gas in them and start them for a few minutes. One night in Iceland back in `63 we had winds approaching 100 mph. They were strong enough to actually push in the inflated radome. When the wind gust eased up, the depressed radome would pop back out, making the whole tower shake violently. Needless to say, this 19-year old airman was scared sh**less.

i am very impressed with your site. as an ex-navy elec-warfare type, i was researching the `gear` used at mt. umunhum (almaden, ca) m-96. bravo zulu to all involved. j. stone, usna-77

I didn`t see Sundance,Wy or Pickstown, SD.

For Glenn Smith. They are both listed.

I spent my time in the 786th in Minot. This was a major time in my life . I was on the 26 and was part of the first group of new airmen to arrive as it was being turned over from Westinghouse. MSGT. Mcmanus was an interesting man to work with.

A few yrs back there was a video file on the internet of a news story done by a TV station in, I belive San Francisco. It was about the SAGE system and was quite interesting. One interesting (and wrong) peice of info mentioned in the story was that the early computer maintenence personnel would roll around on roller skates all day changing tubes. Anyway, that file was accessible for years but now the site has moved or been deleted. Does anyone remember this story and would you know where I can access it or maybe you were able to download it...?

Before and after aerial photos of Hurricane Katrina damage, courtesy of ``DigitalGlobe,`` may be viewed at http://www.globexplorer.com/disasterimages/index.shtml/.

I was a Hawk Fire Control and Continous Wave radar Repairer MOS 27K. I served in the US Army from 1987 to 1993 on active duty. I was stationed with the 188th Ordance Co., supporting the 2/52 ADA(HAWK) at Fort Bragg NC. I was also stationed with the 611 ordance Co.in Mesau Germany, supporting the 32nd Army Air defence command. I would be glad to here from you `Hawkers` thanks, SPC `LED` Eblin, US Army.

Ran across this site while searching for two long lost friends I was stationed with in my USAF days, and thought, if anyone knows these guys or their whereabouts, possibly you could e-mail me? Their names are as follows: Larry J. McCormack Taipai AS, Tiawan, early 1960`s Thomas Joseph Perrotta Det 26, 601st TCS, Grafenwohr, Ger mid 1970`s Any help would be appreciated! Sincerely, Jim Fitzpatrick (USAF Retired)

Tech. training Keesler AFB 1955-1956, 3402nd & 3383rd Student Squadrons. Transferred to England, UK with 7568 Material Squad. at RAF Shellingford, workded on AN/TPS1D; 1957 transferred to 633rd AC&W squadron, Wheelus AB, Libya; 1958 transferred to 727th Tac Cont Squad at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. worked AN/MPS-14, AN/MPS-16 and AN/MPS 11; reassigned to 908th AC&W squadron, Marietta, GA, June 1959,equipment included: AN/MPS-11, AN/FPS-6 and AN/MPS-11. NOTE: Also had a 15J1C Link trainer wich was used for training Radar Intercept crews. August 1962, I was reassigned to Germany, 615 Tac Con Squadron, with administrative offices at Birkenfeld AB, GER. Worked on AN/MPS-14 which was mounted on 10-12 ft concrete poles. The radar info was feed to central site within the 86th Air Division, later this data was feed to Borfink. Reassigned to 758th Radar Squadron, 11/1964, located on Makah Indian Reservation. Worked on the following equip: AN/FPS-90 & AN/FPS-26a height finder radars; 10/1966, transferred to Det. 7, 2nd Surveillance Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL. Was one of the first few USAF guys to report in for duty on the AN/FPS-85, Space Track Radar. Several of the blue suiters joined forces with the Bendix contractor in the installation of transmitter units & Receiver units. Worked in the Receiver Repair section for a short period, then was transferred to the Signal Processing section where I remained until I was assigned to 619th Tac Cont. Squad, det. 9, Ban Me Thuot, VN May 1969. Worked on An/FPS-6 & AN/MPS-11 equipment; shipped out July 1970 for 665th Radar Squadron at Calument, MI. Worked in Receiver Section on the AN/FPS-24 or -27, was transferred to AN/FPS-90 & AN/FPS-26A. Transferred to 702nd AC&W squadron in Savannah, GA July 1973. Served as NCOIC of AN/FPS 26A Radar, then NCOIC of AN/FPS-20 radar, retiring 1 Sept 1975 with grade of MSGT. Enjoyed most of my military career, but did run into a few rough bumps along the way. Enjoyed this site and looking forward to anyone who served in any of the above listed units along the same timeline, would enjoy hearing from you.

If you want to help the troops at Keesler AFB in the aftermath of Katrina You can go to: www.afas.org (Air Force Aid Society) – Click on AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund box -- you will directed to a secure web site where you will see the message below. Don’t forget to check the box for AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund. AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Air Force Aid Society`s resolve to be `There when you need us` for our Air Force family has never been stronger. Due to the outpouring of requests from individuals who want to help those specifically affected by the hurricane, we have established the AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund that will allow us to track contributions and disbursements donated for this purpose. Donations to the AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund are accepted directly from individuals, corporations and organizations, military and civilian. Payment may be made by check or credit card. Credit card donations may be made by calling 703-607-3073 or 1-800-769-8951 or by our secure online credit card form. On the credit card form, under Type of Donation, select AFAS Hurricane Relief Fund. Click here for form. The Society stands ready to help individuals who have been affected by the hurricane. If you need assistance, please visit any Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, or American Red Cross office.

I was stationed at Sault Ste. Marie AFS, the 753rd Radron, from March 1962, until November 1964. Lots of fun, lots of memories.

For ``Islander``: Only one radar tower contains an ARSR-4 radar, which is the tower that`s there now. The ARSR-4 is a three-dimensional (3D) radar, meaning it performs both search (range & azimuth) and altitude-determining functions. One radar does it all. When the radar site (officially known as ``Riverhead`` or ``Suffolk``) was first built back in the 1980-1981 time frame, it had two radar towers: an ARSR-3 search radar (for range & azimuth) and a separate AN/FPS-116 height-finder radar for range and altitude-determining functions. In 1988, all AN/FPS-116 height-finder radars across the country were retired for cost savings. In the mid 1990`s, most existing FAA / Air Force joint-use radars were replaced with the ARSR-4 model. At the Riverhead/Suffolk radar site, both of the two original towers have now been torn down. The newer ARSR-4 tower is actually the third tower to occupy the site. The Riverhead/Suffolk radar site replaced both the Air Force`s radar station at Montauk AFS and the FAA`s radar facility at JFK IAP. For additional information, including photos (past and present), go to http://www.radomes.org/museum/scripts/acwinfo2x.cgi?site=`Riverhead+(Suffolk),+LI,+NY`&key=RiverheadSuffolkLINY&pic=RiverheadSuffolkLINY&doc=RiverheadSuffolkLINY/. The `Photographs` link will take you to a 1981 picture of the site when the ARSR-3 and the AN/FPS-116 were the two radars there. The `Recent Photos` link will take you to several newer pictures showing the ARSR-4 tower and the discontinued AN/FPS-116 tower. Note the differences. By the way, the Riverhead/Suffolk radar site is accessed from the west side, off the Speonk-Riverhead Road. I hope this answers all your questions.

Tallyho Tallyho. Looking for scope dopes from Mt Tam 666th, Rockville, Iceland 932nd,, McClellan 964th. Love those Connies.